Curriculum

Master of Music Therapy (43 hours)

MAMT- Required Courses

Examines the music of diverse cultures through readings, listenings, and experiential
activities. Students apply knowledge about music cultures to therapeutic situations. Requires
completion of a musical ethnography. Prerequisite: music degree.

Studies selected topics in music history and literature. Students will demonstrate in-depth
knowledge of a significant aspect, style, school or composer of music through research and
completion of a final paper. Prerequisite: music degree.

Investigates a current issue or problem in music and society. Each student chooses a topic (to
be approved by instructor), researches it, and creates a paper or project based on the research.
Prerequisite: music degree.

Develops listening skills, clinical use of musical elements, and ability to improvise with
mutuality. Prepares students for clinical improvisation at an advanced level. Encourages students to
compose music for a variety of clinical applications. Prerequisite: MT-BC.

Students will utilize advanced music, verbal, and written skills with clients they currently serve. Individual and/or group supervision will be provided by MAMT faculty via online methods or phone conferencing. Designed to be taken in conjunction with MU 544, but may be taken at another time with consent of Director. Each credit = approximately 50 clock hours.

Surveys the medical applications of music therapy across a variety of settings and
populations, throughout the lifespan. Emphasis is on theoretical and empirical support for music
therapy approaches in the treatment of persons with physical illnesses. Prerequisite: MT-BC.

Introduces students to applications of Guided Imagery and Music. Includes didactic and
experiential components. Completion of this course serves as Level I GIM training, which enables
students to pursue advanced training if desired. Prerequisite: MT-BC.

Introduces basic research methodology; requires the development of a research proposal.
Engages students in field-specific and interdisciplinary professional research literature; develops
ability to critically read and understand research literature. Prerequisite: MT-BC.

Requires an oral defense of the proposal prepared for MU 590, completion of the approved
research project, and a written thesis. Requires adherence to SMWC Thesis Preparation Guidelines
and correct use of APA style. Prerequisite: MU 590.

Examines the major forms of psychopathology based on DSM diagnostic categories. Topics
include the symptomatology, etiology, developmental patterns, theories, and treatment approaches
related to various diagnostic categories.

Examines the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy, the techniques used to
establish therapeutic relationships and the development of counseling skills. Students will practice
counseling skills in class and through the use of video-taped role-plays.

Examines group processes and development, as well as treatment methods. A study of the
research findings and theoretical approaches to group counseling. Includes small group experiences,
discussion and independent study.

MAMT- Elective Courses

Further develops improvisation and therapeutic skills by building upon work accomplished
in MU 544. Large group experiences will facilitate music skill development, and develop the
resources to resolve musical and clinical issues. Small group experiences will explore group
dynamics that occur in therapeutic improvisation groups, develop the personal relationship to music,
and integrate these experiences into music therapy work. Prerequisite: MU 544 (or consent of
instructor). As needed.

Advanced study of a music therapy topic of special interest to the MAMT student. Topic
must be approved by the Director of Music Therapy. As needed.

Information about Course RequirementsWe do our best to keep this information updated, but you should always double-check to insure you are meeting graduation requirements. For the most current course requirements please review the latest graduate college catalog. Always consult your program director when registering for courses or when you have questions about course requirements.

Graduate Requirements

Successful completion of the required 43 graduate credits

Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on 4.0 scale)

Successful completion of thesis

Successful performance on comprehensive examination

Correction of all academic and music deficiencies identified at admission

Completion of all degree requirements within 7 years of admission date

Submission of portfolio

Successful completion of all required seminars

Successful completion of the degree requirements leads to the “Master of Arts” degree. Graduates of the program use the letters “M.A.” to signify successful completion of the program.